Album Themes

Always Tomorrow

AllMusic Review
by Michael Gallucci

Carroll used to front both punk and bar bands. And this history is evident on Always Tomorrow, a roaming, roaring mix of roots rock, alt-country, blues, and post-punk. Carroll has an endearingly creaky voice, which he applies well to his best songs. There are both shaggy and professional touches here, with Carroll playing the traditional singer/songwriter role as often as he does the burgeoning hellraiser. On this, his third album, he even shows his vulnerable side occasionally, opening and revealing his heart as a vessel of hurt and sentiment. But Carroll is at his best when he and his guitar vie for space. They duke it out, getting louder and hoarser until one of them breaks. Always Tomorrow is all about pushing to that point.